It a busy start to the week. Teams log on, phones ring, and emails fly… until suddenly everything stops.

That’s what happened twice in October 2025: Vodafone “dropped off the internet” on Monday 13^th, followed a week later by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Over 130,000 reports were recorded for Vodafone, leaving customers offline, while AWS saw more than 6.5 million disruption reports, affecting major banks, retailers and public services.

For commercial landlords and business tenants, the message is simple: when your connectivity drops, so does productivity, reputation and revenue.  

The price of every minute offline

Connectivity is the backbone of modern business, but it’s value goes unnoticed until it is gone:

• UK businesses lost over 50 million hours and £3.7 billion due to internet failures
• Downtime costs have risen by 400% since 2018
• IT-related downtime averages £4,300 per minute
• 82% of companies report operational disruption and reputational damage as well as financial losses.

Why outages happens and why they hurt.

Connectivity outages can result from cable damage (especially on construction sites), ISP network issues, power failures, and/or human error and accidental software/configuration changes. And as buildings get smarter, the consequences multiply.

For tenants, the effects can be immediate:

• Lost communication internally and externally as phones, emails and video calls go down.
• Cloud services, internal platforms and shared drives go offline.
• Payment systems, e-commerce platforms and customer interactions freeze, leading to lost sales.  
• Staff productivity and morale drop, leading to bottlenecks and missed deadlines.

Long-term risks include erosion of client trust, disruption of supplier relationships, delays in project delivery and even contract losses if service levels aren’t met.

For landlords, outages can disrupt:

• Building management systems, lighting, HVAC and smart meters
• Access controls and CCTV
• Lift monitoring and safety alarms and systems  
• Tenant communications and service logs.

Repeated issues also erode tenant confidence, which then drives reputational damage, higher tenant churn, harder lease renewals and the risk of vacant space.

Staying connected: Why a good partner matters

Avoiding downtime requires more than just good hardware. It requires resilient design and proactive management, and that’s where a specialist partner like Curve IT can make the difference.

Form the earliest design stages, we partner with architects, developers and landlords to help create and manage reliable networks suited to the specific needs of the property and its users.  

• Resilient design: Dual routers, multiple fibre links, geographically separate routes and power feeds with battery backups protect networks against any single points of failure

• Advanced monitoring: Multiple monitoring systems proactively detect, investigate and resolve potential faults before they can escalate.

• Fast, transparent support: Our in-house support desk provides clients with clear communication channels and rapid responses directly from our engineers.

• Proactive maintenance: Daily automated backups, patch management and scheduled updates keep systems stable and secure, protect critical data and minimise any required downtime.

• Tailored, end-to-end service: Every technological detail of a building’s IT infrastructure is considered and designed to be reliable and adaptable as technology evolves, ensuring long-term service stability rather than short-term costly fixes.

With Curve IT, you are not just another account in a call queue. You gain a partner that is invested in your connectivity and your success.

“Always on”

When the internet goes down, productivity, trust and revenue go with it. And in an “always on” world, resilient IT infrastructure and the right partner are invaluable for protecting your buildings and business.

Curve IT work with architects, contractors and landlords to design and maintain networks that keep buildings and business tenants online, productive and satisfied – no matter what.

Talk to us today about your next development project.

References

• BBC News, (2025), Vodafone says outage affecting thousands of customers resolved
• The Times, (2025), Amazon, Snapchat and Ring ‘recover’ after AWS went down – as it happened
• Beaming, (2023), The Cost of Internet Downtime – The impact of outages on UK Businesses in 2023
• Clyk, (2025), The Real Cost of Downtime for UK Businesses
• IT for Less, (2025), The True Cost of Downtime: Stats Every Business Should Know

The post The Hidden Cost of a Connectivity Outage appeared first on Curve IT.

Exploring the tends now shaping the modern built environment, and why the right IT infrastructure is key for smarter, sustainable, resilient spaces.

The built environment is undergoing a significant transformation. Buildings are no longer just physical spaces, they are becoming digital ecosystems powered by smart systems, data analytics and sustainable technologies.  

However, as construction demands rise, there is a growing pressure to cut operational costs while also meeting ambitious sustainability targets to reduce climate impacts and conserve resources. 

This presents both opportunities for developers, architects and contractors, and success depends on integrating the right IT infrastructure from the outset. Getting it wrong risks inefficiencies, spiralling costs, and buildings that will quickly become outdated or non-compliant with future sustainability initiatives. 

Here we explore the four key trends that are driving the design and operation of built spaces and how the right IT infrastructure is needed to support smarter, sustainable developments.  

Hyper-connected buildings 

The integration of IoT devices, sensors and smart systems are already creating hyper-connected buildings. Globally, the number of IOT deployments in the commercial building sector is projected to more than double to 4.12 billion by 2030 ¹. These deployments include devices such as occupancy sensors, smart lighting, HVAC controls and access control systems, all which communicate with one another to improve operational efficiency and functionality. 

However, this level of connectivity only works if there is a solid IT foundation in place. Robust fibre infrastructure, resilient, high-speed networks (private or otherwise) and cloud-based platforms are essential for supporting large data volumes and maintaining uptime. Without this, developments risk bottlenecks and costly inefficiencies. 

AI-driven operations  

AI is becoming central to building operations and management systems, particularly for sustainable practices and ESG reporting. For example, AI-powered systems can: 

• Predict maintenance needs and anticipate equipment failures before they happen.  

• Automatically identify areas contributing to emission and waste and optimise energy consumption.  

• Analyse occupant behaviour to inform dynamic environment adjustments (e.g. lighting, temperature and security) ².  

And the benefits of these systems are clear:  

• Reduced downtime and maintenance costs  

• Improved energy efficiency and sustainability outcomes  

• Enhanced occupant comfort and productivity 

However, the potential of these AI-driven systems depends primarily on data quality, as well as security, integration and compatibility, and scalability³. And data generation alone is not enough.  

A secure, scalable and well-integrated IT infrastructure is therefore needed to support the generation and flow of data between devices and analytic platforms, and turn these AI insights into actionable outcomes – from energy savings to improved tenant experience.  

Sustainability by design  

Due to increasing environmental pressures, regulations and targets, sustainability is no longer optional. The World Green Building Council reports that the building and construction sector is globally responsible for 35% of energy consumption, 50% of resource consumption, and 38% of energy-related carbon emissions⁴. With the UK committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, and London becoming a zero-carbon by 2030, developers must embed sustainability into their projects from the start.  

Digital tools, such as building performance simulations, energy monitoring systems, and digital twins are helping to reduce energy consumption, optimise resource use and cut carbon footprints. Physical strategies, such as the “dig once” philosophy, the rise of “circular economies”, and the emerging idea of “shared infrastructure” (which has had notable success in Sweden) also help to avoid duplication and further minimise embodied carbon.  

Early planning and design of the right digital infrastructure is key. Developers can avoid unnecessary and costly retrofits, reduce construction costs, and accelerate deployment, all while enhancing and supporting the building’s sustainability and adaptability.  

Enhanced security and resilience 

As buildings become more interconnected, the risk of system failures, outages and cyber-attacks grows. It is reported that the UK economy lost approximately £17.6bn in economic output in 2024 due to internet and connectivity outages, with the London economy accounting for approximately £5.7bn of that loss⁵.  

While the direct financial fallout of a system failure or outage can be significant, the wider impact to a building or tenant’s productivity, reputation and compliance can be far greater. This is why resilient IT infrastructure expertise and design must be considered as a priority for a development, rather than an afterthought.  

Redundancy and segmentation, secure access protocols, real-time monitoring and proactive alerts are just some of the key measures that ensure buildings and businesses remain digitally secure and operational even in the face of a system failure or outage.    

Equally important is the physical resilience of networks. Fibre optic sensing technologies are emerging to help detect threats and prevent accidental or construction-related damage, while enterprise-grade fibre, switches and network design help to maintain uninterrupted, high-quality connectivity, even in high demand or high risk environments.  

Preparing for the future  

It goes without saying that the future is going to see the built environment continue to evolve. Hyper-connectivity, AI, sustainability, and resilience will continue to define modern buildings. Collaborating early with all stakeholders during the design and construction stages ensures that developments are supported by the right IT infrastructure.  

The result? Smarter, greener and more efficient spaces that attract investors and tenants, provide high ROIs and long-term value for developers and landlords, and meet environmental and regulatory obligations. 

Integrating IT early ensures that today’s developments will be ready for the opportunities of the future. Curve IT consults with developers, architects and contractors to design and deliver buildings that are smart, sustainable and resilient.  Get in touch to discuss how we can support your next development project.   

References:

1. Memoori, (2025), IOT Devices In Smart Connected Buildings 2025 to 2030 

2. Johnson Controls, (2024), How AI is Transforming the Built Environment 

3. CSL, (2025), How AI, ML, RL and Dl are Transforming Building Management Systems 

4. World Green Building Council, (2025), The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment 

5. Assembly, (2024), A report for Vorboss:  Reliability and Compensation in the business connectivity market

The post The Right IT Infrastructure: Supporting The Modern Built Environment appeared first on Curve IT.

Conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the structure was the first of its kind and it came with a host of “unknowns”, which required close collaboration across all disciplines to raise the structure successfully.  

Almost a decade on, we look at the unique challenge of creating the IT infrastructure to support such a visionary architectural build, and the valuable lessons learnt for future landmark projects.  

Key Actions

As the technological partner for the development of the i360, Curve IT was tasked with designing, delivering and supporting the extensive IT infrastructure required. Our approach was always collaborative, ensuring the technology enabled the landmark to function seamlessly – without comprising or competing with the architectural ambition.   

Planning and Design  

Our team immersed itself in the build process from the outset. We worked closely with Marks Barfield Architects and the wider project teams to provide insight and align IT requirements with the architectural design. This included:   

• Reviewing architectural drawings and M&E proposals to identify IT requirements and any potential delivery risks.  
• Developing a full IT infrastructure with ‘security by design’ principles by including hardware and software that protects client and public data.   
• Conducting a virtual WiFi survey using CAD data to model coverage, avoid dead zones and reduce unnecessary costs.   
• Designing the main communications room, including equipment specification, cabling and power requirements.   

Delivery and Collaboration  

Working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers), we ensured that the IT systems were fully integrated into the wider build. This included:   

• Supplying and installing networking equipment, server hardware, VoIP systems, payment gateways and CCTV connectivity.   
• Installing and configuring WiFi across all operational areas, from the restaurant, retail and event spaces, back office areas, and the glass pod itself.   
• Devising, testing and delivering the methodology for providing connectivity inside the pod, guaranteeing high speed connectivity even when elevated to full height, flying 450ft in the sky.   

From Vision to Reality: Lessons Learnt  

The i360 was designed to be a fully connected visitor experience and it lives up to that vision today. It showcases that innovative builds will always demand technology that is as visionary as the architectural design itself, and this does not come without valuable lessons:  

Lesson 1 – Integrate Technology Early   

Curve IT was bought into the i360 project half-way through the two-year construction period. Although this was relatively far into the RIBA Plan of Work stages, our team was able to identify the IT infrastructure required and advise on changes during the construction phase to avoid costly retrofits. Early involvement is always more effective. 

Lesson 2 – Model Before You Build  

Our pre-build WiFi survey using CAD data enabled us to create a virtual model of the planned network. Adopting a ‘predictive modelling approach’ allowed the Curve IT team to optimise the placement of WiFi access points within the architectural design, maximising coverage, eliminating dead zones and minimising hardware costs.   

Lesson 3 – Collaborate for Success   

There is balance between the ambitious vision and the realistic function. Without this balance, developments as unique as the i360 will struggle with success. This is why the Curve IT team collaborated meticulously with architects, engineers, contractors, and system suppliers for the i360 to ensure that the IT infrastructure and systems fit within the architectural design and delivered the functionality required without compromise.   

Lesson 4 –  Design for Digital Resilience and Reliability  

Delivering reliable connectivity across the site and into the glass pod at full elevation presented one of the biggest challenges to the project. Redundancy, link aggregation, coastal weather conditions and radio alignment had to be considered during the design, build and on-going function of the IT infrastructure system for the i360.   

Building redundancy into the IT infrastructure ensures that a single point of failure does not bring the whole system to a standstill. As a result, Curve IT included multiple connection points into the system to ensure that any IT failures do not interrupt visitor or operational services.   

Link aggregation also boosts capacity and continuity. Separate office and event WiFi links were originally installed at the i360 but these, along with point-to-point connections in the pod, were later aggregated to ensure resiliency of the IT systems – without compromising performance.   

Unforgiving weather conditions including coastal winds, salt spray, and rain can challenge even the most robust IT hardware installations. During the i360 build, careful cabling and weather-sealing were essential to ensuring long-term reliability in the harsh sea-side environment, as well as keeping maintenance costs and any downtime to a minimum.   

In moving structures, such as the i360, alignment of point-to-point WiFi radios is critical. The radio links in/on the glass pod rely on tight physical alignment to maintain connection as it ascends and descends, meaning that meticulous planning and installation was required to avoid any drops in connectivity.   

Resilient solutions are therefore critical for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and supporting commercial and operational functions of large-scale attractions. For the i360 specifically, this included the ability to broadcast live on major radio and television channels, as well as stream music events globally from the pod – all at full elevation.  

The Future of Connected Landmarks 

The Brighton i360 proved that IT infrastructure must be treated as a core part of modern architecture, engineering and construction when creating structures that provide world-class visitor experiences.  

Curve IT turned complex challenges into reliable solutions and systems that continue to perform today – almost 10 years beyond the i360’s official launch, reflecting the resilience and longevity of the infrastructure. Our systems are built for purpose and built to last. 

MBA continues to evolve the concept of the i360 with the i360 Plus, a vision for new towers that unite architecture, engineering and technology.  

Conclusion

The lessons learnt from the Brighton i360 are invaluable and can be the difference between a building that simply looks iconic and one that also functions flawlessly.  

Wherever in the world new towers and visitor attractions are built, Curve IT is ready to design and implement resilient, secure, and high-performing systems that help visionary architecture become a fully connected reality.  

Want to Know More?

Curve IT consults with developers, architects and contractors to deliver connected buildings that are ready for the future. Get in touch to discuss your next construction or development project.   

The post The Technology Behind The View: The Brighton i360 appeared first on Curve IT.

It’s no surprise that tenants expect high-speed, robust and reliable internet access and phone lines. But a long list of behind-the-scenes services also depend on communications networks, from door entry systems to security alarms, fire safety systems to building management systems (BMSs).

And this introduces a severe risk for Build to Rent (BTR) operators tasked with providing broadband services to shared buildings – that, during the build stage, they waste unnecessary time and money on duplicating the networks underpinning these services.

Broadband services to shared buildings – the importance of pre-planning

It is not untypical for the main build contractor to wait until much of the foundational work has been done before going out to a mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractor, who then subcontracts again to a cabling specialist for installation of the infrastructure required by, say, the CCTV system. Even if the networking process is introduced earlier in the build, an M&E contractor will still need to employ different specialists for each of the network-reliant systems outlined above. And each of those specialists will, quite rightly, design and pitch a system which involves a full network with their own specialist function running off it.

The upshot? A whole lot of unnecessary and costly duplication.

This is why forward-thinking BTR operators should look to work with IT networking specialists from the outset when providing broadband services to shared buildings, in order to develop a converged network for the entire building or even estate. A converged network is a single physical (usually fibre and copper) network which is divided up into virtual sub-networks, or VLANs. Each VLAN is used to underpin a different core service, from back office functions to resident-facing WiFi.

The benefits of well planned converged services for build to rent are enormous. Aside from the substantial resource savings from avoiding duplication, a converged network is also far more future-proofed than multiple discrete networks. It provides a foundation for smart building tools and technologies, and enables the creation of genuinely seamless and innovative resident experiences, whereby Personal Area Networks travel with tenants throughout buildings and even across the entire estate.

However, all these benefits depend on choosing the right converged services provider. How do you do that?

Begin with your brand

The best converged services providers will want to start early in BTR project – right back at the conception stage. They will want to work with your brand time as well as your operational team, to really understand what kind of experience you are hoping to present to your tenants. Network-dependent technology such as superfast internet, building-specific apps and the Personal Area Networks outlined above can have a massive impact on resident experience and the overall impression of your organisation.

Smart building specialism

Smart buildings, which use IoT technology to proactive manage everything from energy efficiency measures to predictive maintenance of assets, are key to helping BTR operators run as efficiently as possible. They can also play a crucial role in building an environmentally-friendly and forward-thinking brand. As such, your converged services provider should have experience in supporting and developing smart buildings, and able to advise you on possible future developments.

Long-term partnerships

The life of a BTR property should be long-term, and so the partnership with your converged services provider should be too. Innovations in networking technology are happening at lightning pace and while the possibilities for smart buildings and innovative tenant experiences are only going to become more diverse, this will also have an impact of the provision of broadband services to shared buildings. A truly long-term and forward-thinking converged services partnership will enable you to capitalise on these developments as they emerge, and truly by a BTR operator for the future.

The post Broadband services to shared buildings: why a converged network approach makes sense appeared first on Curve IT.

Sharing space with strangers is becoming an increasingly popular option for a new breed of professionals looking for housing that combines private living space with shared communal facilities.

And with many new co-living developments offering shared spaces like wellness studios, gyms, and gardens or terraces for BBQs and entertaining, it’s becoming easier than ever for residents to get to know their neighbours.

Rising rents and an increase of young professionals looking for living spaces in urban areas is one of the factors driving the trend, but there is a deeper motive for the development towards multi-occupancy constructions.

While the modern version of co-living is a little different to the hippy communes that began to spring up in the Sixties, or the artist communities prevalent in places such as Germany and Denmark, the concept is based on the same ethos: to create a lifestyle based on sharing and community.

People need connection in the physical world as well as online

In an age where much day to day contact is online, and with loneliness a widespread issue, a sense of ‘real’ connection is increasingly welcome.

The growth of the sharing economy and the rise of co-working and other partnerships suggests there is an appetite for greater sharing and social engagement, says architect Manisha Patel, who specializes in urban design and planning for practice PRP.

In the recent RSA report ‘Co-living and the common good’ Patel writes of the balance between privacy and social interaction that co-living manages to address – and points out that humans are the most social of mammals.

“Our communication skills set us apart; social interaction and the search for a sense of wellbeing is hardwired into all of us,” she says. “The desire for communal interaction is balanced with the need for each individual to choose their degree of separation.”

While physical connection is important, so too is the technology that allows people to connect with each other. As you might expect, ‘Generation rent’ is looking for far more than the bare essentials in their new home: the burgeoning use of smart phones, smart TVs and a plethora of connected home devices mean fast, immediate access to broadband and WiFi connectivity is today as essential as running water. Technological progress has enabled large new developments to improve significantly by providing a seamless connection to their facilities.

Curve IT is strategically placed in the PRS internet services sector

Curve IT has been working with a number of BTR and PRS operators over the last few years, notably Essential Living with whom we worked on with the flagship new builds Dressage Court, Vantage Point and Creekside Wharf (opening mid to late 2018).

Residents received high-speed internet access with broad WiFi coverage and a high quality branded portal page, both in their apartment and throughout the building, from the day they moved in.

With hundreds of residents living in close proximity using multiple devices, often at the same time, providing Wifi connectivity to support a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) requires a deep understanding of the fundamentals of WiFi technology, and this is where Curve IT’s experience comes to the fore.

We are passionate about delivering PRS internet services through robust, scalable WiFi networks for multi-occupant buildings, and have a specialist team which designs, creates and delivers an intelligent, futureproof IT infrastructure.

Curve IT are involved from RIBA stage 1-3  onwards, and early site visits enables our IT team to translate ideas into a high tech spec which can be incorporated before construction even begins.

As Patel puts it so succinctly: “These technologies have the potential to allow co-living residents to share resources more efficiently; to make opportunities for social interaction more visible or likely; and to connect residents to services and civic opportunities within the wider area in which they live.”

And as Essential Living says in its recent blog about the benefits of co-living, “It helps to build friendships in the physical world rather than the digital, and being part of a thriving community is perhaps the oldest and most effective way to make those connections.”

Co-living offers more connection – both on and offline.

To talk to one of our expert IT consultants regarding our WiFi design practice Contact the team at Curve IT on contact@curveit.com or call 01273 806220.

The post Why co-living is the future for Generation Z but only with robust PRS internet services appeared first on Curve IT.

What services and applications could sit on a build to rent converged network?

• HSIA – (high speed internet access) for residents
• IPTV – television services
• VoIP – Voice over IP telephony services for residents and staff
• Access control and door locking systems
• CCTV
• Building Management Systems
• Property Management Systems
• Point of Sale
• Digital Signage

What are the advantages of a build to rent converged networks?

Better performance; Reduced cost; More flexibility; Minimising environmental impact

• Lower cost of installation: installing one core infrastructure can reduce the amount of cabling required, and ensure that switches are used in the most efficient way. We have seen cost reductions of around 30% moving from a traditional network architecture to converged.
• Better network management: a high-performing network is critical for the smooth operation of all the services within your building and having a converged network allows you to choose a single operator to oversee these services, and so offer a better level of service to your residents and team. In the past you may have multiple different networks all managed by different vendors, meaning different SLA’s, help desks, operating hours etc. A converged network has one management platform which can allow better monitoring and allow issues to be identified and dealt with much more quickly.
• Flexibility and future proofing: Having an enterprise grade active network means adding new or extra services and applications can be completed much more easily and potentially without having to add new cabling or hardware. It’s impossible to say any technology is ‘future-proof’ however the 10Gb standard is currently recommended and fully suited for most needs.
• Better design and hardware: with all services running through one core infrastructure it often proves more cost-effective to increase the sophistication, capacity and performance of this core to levels that would not be commercially sensible if running multiple networks. We typically see a move from multiple 1Gb in a traditional environment to 10Gb in a converged, offering potentially a huge uplift in performance. This will normally include resiliency and redundancy to a much higher level.
• Minimising environmental impact: a single connection manages and operates all the systems, meaning reduced power usage and carbon footprint. Less hardware takes up less space and ensures the right amount of switch ports are available, in the right locations. Monitoring network ports, cables, connectors and components in real time with an intelligent infrastructure management system allows the network to be managed far more efficiently and optimises energy consumption.

 Are there other considerations?

Many, and this is where the design and management skills of Curve IT are paramount. These are just a few of the many considerations you will need to take into account.

• Resiliency – how to deal with power failures. We can advise on UPS or generator back-up power.
• Network resiliency – spanning tree? What support packs on hardware?
• Redundancy – internet services into and out of the building and the routes these could take. Do you need geo-diverse routings? How many 9’s in your SLA?
• Bandwidth management (WAN) – what do you need and when do you need it? What is the best model? Who is the best provider and do they have the interconnects you need?
• Bandwidth management (LAN) – what applications do your residents / team need? Should some be limited? Do you want a revenue stream?
• QoS – how, where and when?
• VLANs – who and how to manage?
• PAN – do your residents need a Personal Area Network?

The post Why should Build to Rent operators consider Converged Networks? appeared first on Curve IT.

Tenants in the PRS are increasingly seeking high-spec apartments incorporating state-of-the-art technology: MDUs are becoming luxurious living spaces where lighting, heating, and access can be controlled easily and intuitively – with instant connectivity available for tenants on a growing number of devices.

(A recent tech survey showed residents of MDUs had an average of 17 devices with internet connection per apartment.)

Meeting high technological expectations

• Smart phones and smart TVs, WiFi-enabled lighting, heating and security will soon be jostling for bandwidth space with smart fridges, smart clothing and other wireless tech.
• The rise of voice-activated home hubs such as Amazon Echo and Google Home is driving opportunities for seamless shopping and marketing without a laptop or tablet in sight.

Around 21 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2020.    

The best in-house technology

• By deploying a building-wide WiFi platform a PRS developer can engage with residents on many different levels.
• Guest engagement through portal options ensures residents feel part of a modern, connected network, which benefits them in many different ways.
• Curve IT provide full reporting and analytics to the operator.
• Resident portals serve multiple functions: tenants can communicate with one another and alert building management teams about urgent matters. Residents can also use a portal to receive notifications or upgrade their accommodation or connectivity.
• Flexible business models can deliver a revenue stream to operators.
• A great product and service gives the operator a competitive advantage over other PRS operators.
• Internet access is included in the rent, and Curve IT can create an infrastructure where residents can easily upgrade for a managed monthly payment with the client.
• Carefully designed placement of WiFi access points means residents have superb access throughout the entire building, whilst minimising the number of points needed, so saving money for the build.
• The Curve IT Personal Area Network means that residents have access to their own network, wherever they are in the building, such as the gym or lobby, creating a seamless experience for the resident.
• We are approaching an age in which a wide range of consumer products will be routinely connected to internet-enabled interfaces.
• Curve IT can also provide ongoing 24/7 IT support if required, for both the operator and residents, including warranty management.

Contact the team at Curve IT to see how we can deliver your PRS IT services and solutions.

The post OPERATE: PRS IT Services and Solutions appeared first on Curve IT.

Curve IT adopts a visionary approach to creating a scalable IT infrastructure for MDUs, delivering high-speed, building-wide, reliable and secure network connectivity from day one. Curve IT is a trusted partner of high-end property developer Essential Living, providing innovative technological solutions for its flagship PRS developments.

We collaborate with architects, contractors and operational management teams to deliver the most efficient, cost effective and future proof technology.

Curve IT’s extensive experience with traditional and modular construction techniques enables our consultants to project manage the entire technological installation within an MDU.

Working within the RIBA Plan of Work schedule and to the Prince 2 methodology, accredited engineers install everything, from structured cabling to access points.

An IT infrastructure fully aligned with client expectations

• Curve IT consultants provide the critical link between the construction and operational teams, and integrate with the M&E contractor.
• Our knowledge of build and other service requirements enables us to identify the risks and constraints involved in the delivery of an integrated network.
• We supply all the hardware and software required for the IT infrastructure for MDUs
• High capacity, reliable broadband and WiFi are installed to ensure personal, private and secure networks for tenants, at business speeds – from day one.
• Curve IT consultants help clients to address tech-related decisions such as speed of access and cabling, recommending enterprise grade equipment within budget.
• We can advise on and provide bandwidth.
• Temporary internet, telephony and IT services can be provided during the build phase. 

Meeting high technological expectations

• Curve IT delivers building-wide, private and secure personal networks for individual tenants from day one, with broadband speeds of up to 1Gb/second.
• Carefully designed placement of WiFi access points means residents have superb access throughout the entire building, whilst minimising the number of points needed, so saving money for the build.
• The Curve IT Personal Area Network means that the residents have access to their own network, wherever they are in the building, such as the gym or lobby, creating a seamless experience for the resident.

The post BUILD: Turning innovative design concepts into robust IT infrastructure for MDUs appeared first on Curve IT.

The multi-tenant sector is one of the hardest environments in which to deliver robust WiFi networks, with hundreds of residents living in close proximity using multiple devices, often at the same time.

Providing an IT infrastructure to support a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) requires a deep understanding of the fundamentals of WiFi technology.

The benefits of calling in Curve IT from the word go

• Curve IT are involved from RIBA stage 3 onwards.
• Curve IT consultants begin by establishing the client’s aims for the residents and the building. An early site visit enables our IT team to brainstorm with and advise PRS developers, translating concepts into a tech spec which can be incorporated before construction even begins.
• Using the most technologically advanced industry tools and techniques available, Curve IT will carry out a site survey across your premises, determining where there is most demand and identifying ‘dead spots’.
• We provide comprehensive recommendations to create a secure, successful and fully scalable WiFi network.
• Curve IT recommends a converged network, which is more efficient than multiple networks. The hardware cabling design can be fitted alongside other services rather than being retrospectively installed and the use of multiple communication modes on a single network offers a convenience and flexibility that is not possible with separate infrastructures. (By using a converged network, we save on cabling too.)
• An optimised WiFi network throughout a building based on WiFi modelling means there is no over-scoping, reducing hardware and installation capex.
• Advanced techniques such as Personal Area Networks (PAN) ensure the best experience for residents, including access to the IoT.
• Additional services can be incorporated such as VoIP, CCTV, Security systems, door control and more.

High-capacity, reliable, secure broadband and WiFi for MDUs & PRS Broadband

Curve IT has the latest on-trend information about the IT systems which best benefit clients, actively seeking out systems that will save money and reduce carbon footprint. We help clients confidently address technology-related decisions such as speed of access and cabling, recommending enterprise grade equipment within a client’s budget to ensure a great feature set and good warranty level for equipment.

Early planning of IT infrastructure, networks and PRS Broadband before the building construction begins reduces time-consuming and expensive retrospective IT installation in the construction schedule – and prevents expensive variations in construction; we dovetail our installation into the other service installation schedules.

It also means Curve IT can adhere to and enhance demanding brand standards including:

• Security controls within the building for residents to feel safe;
• Minimum setting for the WiFi signal wherever a resident may be within the building;
• A minimum number of wired ports within an apartment in the optimum locations;
• A WiFi portal for residents that is user friendly and offers services, and further revenue opportunities;
• Home-style technology delivered to enterprise standard within an MDU which feels individual to the resident but utilised by numerous tenants;
• High speed Internet supply optimized for 5Ghz.

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The Build to Rent Forum London is the go-to event for the burgeoning Build To Rent (BTR) sector, and is supported by the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London.

Curve IT is delighted to be a Conference Associate sponsor of this event, based on our experience of providing wired and wireless network solutions within the BTR sector.

IT Strategy Planning

Curve IT are the current providers to several very high-profile BTR developments in London, with more in the pipeline. Highly experienced in working with developers and operators to define the technology brand standard, Curve IT also consults on the final design to ensure that standards are met in the most effective and efficient way.

This can include all services that sit on the converged network, such as VoIP, CCTV, security services, door control and more.

IT Project Management

After installation of these services the Curve IT support team will manage the ongoing services for the operator and residents, if required.

Build to Rent Forum 2018 is an authoritative one-day event that brings together private and public sector leaders and key stakeholders to debate and exchange ideas in a series of keynotes, case studies, debates and panel sessions.

The event takes place on Thursday February 22 at etc. venues, 155 Bishopsgate Conference Centre, London EC2M 3YD. (Pre-registration is required and there may be fees.)

For more information on Build to Rent Forum London 2018 please visit www.buildtorentforum.co.uk A list of events at the conference can be found here.

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The design team behind British Airways i360, Marks Barfield Architects, held an anniversary event at the tower with free drinks and cupcakes being handed out to visitors. It was also the first time visitors could meet new chief executive Steve Bax, formerly at English Heritage, who was appointed in July to replace former CEO, Eleanor Harris.

“Since August 2016 we’ve welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors plus we’ve won nine fantastic awards,” said Bax, who added that the aim to boost visitor numbers further would be helped by the high number of “very good reviews” for the attraction.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus performed at the event, and guests enjoyed a British Airways i360 birthday cake – a model of the attraction made by Brighton Cakes, complete with tower, pod and two tollbooths.

Brighton Mayor Mo Marsh applauded the attraction for “bringing visitors from all over the world to the city”, and praised the i360’s free school ticket programme, which has seen 39,000 free tickets given to Brighton children – one for every child in a state school in Brighton & Hove.

Brighton & Hove City Council chief executive Geoff Raw also attended the anniversary event, calling the i360 “a beacon for Brighton and a positive statement of confidence” for the city.

In line with plans for British Airways i360 to raise the international profile of Brighton and attract investment, an extensive IT Infrastructure was obviously integral to the project, and Curve IT were brought in to ensure WiFi connectivity was implemented right across the site – including in the glass pod at its full height of 138 metres.

Curve IT consultants came into the project half-way through its two-year construction period, meaning they were able to identify the necessary IT infrastructure that was needed and influence some design changes – with less need for retrospective IT installation costs.

Some high points

• The view from the top of the tower takes in a 360-degree, 26-mile vista from Chichester in the west to the Seven Sisters and beyond in the east.
• The tower is not perfectly vertical (it’s impossible to build any tall building which is exactly straight!). The engineers allowed a tolerance of 6 inches and the i360 leans very slightly towards Regency Square.
• British Airways i360 has created 150 jobs, held five weddings and 180 private events.
• The i360 is one of the only major planning applications in Brighton’s history to have received cross-party unanimous planning support.
• During the three-month consultation period hundreds of residents came to see the public exhibition, 500 questionnaires were completed – and all but 7 were supportive.
• Curve IT completed a pre-build WiFi survey using CAD architectural drawings to create a virtual model of the planned network.
• Preparatory work included diverting 120 metres of a working Victorian sewer and moving nine major electrical cables which power a third of the city.

Read the case study on Curve IT’s work with British Airways i360.

Email or call Curve IT on 01273 806220 to discuss your IT infrastructure project.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced his vision for London to become the world’s leading ‘Smart City’ at London Tech Week last month, outlining his ambition for digital technology to be at the heart of living and working in the capital.

“New technologies are…reshaping our societies, our economies and our culture,” said Khan, who called on technology companies to get more involved with solutions for a number of issues facing Londoners – including housing.

Curve IT is proud to be at the forefront of a number of exciting new technological developments in the residential housing sector.

New Breed of High-Tech Residential Developments

• Vast technological change is happening at breakneck pace, and high-speed digital connectivity is fundamental to a new breed of vibrant residential developments aimed at the private rental sector.
• Curve IT’s involvement with premium developer Essential Living recently resulted in the opening of flagship rental block Dressage Court – a testament to technological advances within the private rental sector.
• High speed broadband connectivity – “the fourth utility” – is a deciding factor for anyone wanting to rent or buy new property, and the government has also pledged the technology for all new build properties in the UK.
• Residential development companies such as Be and Quintain are also developing incredibly high-spec apartments and houses for the private sector.

A High-Speed Network for Everyone

At Dressage Court, Curve IT delivered the hardware and software to ensure each resident has their own personal high-speed network the minute they walk into the building.

WiFi connectivity follows them wherever they are in their block, whether they’re popping upstairs to sunbathe on the communal roof terrace or logging onto a fitness app in the gym.

“It’s crucial that an IT Infrastructure is able to respond to the inevitable changes in technology throughout the lifespan of the building, so we ensure optimal wireless network design,” explains Curve IT managing director Simon O’Hare.

“Using the RIBA Plan of Work methodology, our early involvement in the planning stage saves considerable capital expenditure later in the build, and ensures optimal wireless network design.”

Service-Focused, High-Tech Homes and Apartments

• The offer of a high quality, modern ‘simpler’ lifestyle is driving interest in the private rental sector.
• The digital, connected future is one of the main guiding principles of the design.
• Homes and apartments are designed to be service-focused, network-connected 24/7, and future proof.
• The number of smart living developments in the private rental sector is booming.
• By 2021 one in four people will be renting, according to new research.
• The sector is forecast to grow 24% by 2021.

With ‘smart technology’ gradually becoming accepted as a part and parcel of everyday living, the concept of a smart city is closer than you might think!

To discuss your IT Infrastructure project, call our consultants on 01273 806220 or email us.

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